If you’re a fan of fragrance in general, then you’ll know that Tom Ford is synonymous with the kind of perfumes that really stir up a feeling in the wearer. Whether it’s a scent like Neroli Portofino that transports you to the Italian summer sunshine, spritz in hand, or that instant dose of walk-taller confidence that fan-favourite F*cking Fantastic gives you, Tom Ford fragrances are a whole journey in themselves. No wonder we’re all obsessed.
Vogue’s best Tom Ford fragrances at a glance:
I first became hooked on Tom Ford when I smelt the very first fragrance, Black Orchid, back in 2006. Despite being an oriental chypre, which is not my usual go-to, one sniff and I was instantly smitten. Something about the blend of black truffle, ylang-ylang, blackcurrant and citrus that was sexy, sophisticated, completely addictive, and importantly, felt so very modern. Since then, although Black Orchid remains a firm favourite, I’ve fallen for many more like Tuscan Leather, Oud Wood and Neroli Portofino. All very different but all just as captivating, and all decidedly Tom Ford.
So, if you’ve landed here, unsure where to start but keen to explore your options, then you’re in for a treat. While many are great all-rounders and can be worn day and night as unforgettable signature scents, some you might be drawn to because they are the essence of a place, from the sunshine-soaked Amalfi coast to the fiery island of Sicily and the dazzling ski slopes of Europe. Ahead, some of the best, most iconic Tom Ford fragrances to try.
Best fragrance for women: Tom Ford Electric Cherry
- Key notes: Morello cherry, ginger, pink peppercorn, ambrettolide
- Why I recommend it: If you want the compliments to flow, try a spritz or two of Tom Ford’s Electric Cherry. That being said, it will almost certainly induce plenty of questions, as it is one of those fragrances that changes and develops almost by the hour, becoming more and more intriguing. Cherry can be divisive in fragrance, but here it is a total crowd pleaser thanks to a balance of sweet and tart notes that keep the composition moreish and fresh. It’s one you can reach for for everyday wear, but it has an alluring, almost flirtatious aroma that makes it an excellent date night scent.
Best EDT fragrance: Tom Ford Eau de Grey Vetiver
- Key notes: Grapefruit, bergamot, iris, clary sage, orange blossom
- Why I recommend it: While at first this opens with sharp and citrusy with hints of herbaceous green from clary sage and fennel, once on skin it unveils itself as something altogether more sophisticated and complex, thanks to the smooth, velvety warmth of iris and the creaminess of orange blossom. If this were a suit in fragrance form, it’d be a Savile Row classic.
Best unisex fragrance: Tom Ford Soleil Neige
- Key notes: Bergamot, carrot seed, rose, jasmine, orange flower, cistus labdanum, musk, benzoin, vanilla
- Why I recommend it: A relative newcomer to the Tom Ford Signature collection, this mesmerising fragrance is as timeless and elegant as you’d expect. The perfect scent to save for blue-sky winter days when the sun is warm but the air is crisp, this conjures up the invigorating brightness of a day on the ski slopes with notes of citrus and white florals, before segueing into something more sexy and celebratory and suitably après -ski, thanks to earthy musks.
Best new fragrance: Tom Ford Taormina Orange
- Key notes: Blood orange, cardamom oil, orange flower absolute, patchouli oil, oakmoss absolute
- Why I recommend it: If you love Neroli Portofino, you’re bound to love this sun-soaked fragrance just as much. Like Neroli Portofino, this juice is particularly transportive, taking you right into the vibrant, colourful and warm heart of a Sicilian summer’s day. Notes of blood orange and warm woods provide the perfect contrast, creating a fragrance that is both juicy and rich.
Best winter fragrance: Tom Ford Noir Extreme
- Key notes: Mandarin, orange flower, amber, sandalwood, Indian kulfi, vanilla
- Why I recommend it: Some scents seem made for cosying up with in the bitter winter cold, and this is one of them. A touch reminiscent of a lightly spiced mulled wine, steeped in rich and warming notes that project powerfully for an opulent, full-bodied aroma. It’s strong, so use it sparingly, but I love to spritz it over scarves and coat collars for a touch of enveloping olfactory warmth. One to reach for for your most glamorous winter fetes, it bears an elegant woody drydown that leaves a lasting impression.
Best sunshine fragrance: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc
- Key notes: Bergamot, ylang-ylang, tonka bean and coconut
- Why I recommend it: This is a scent that sun-chasers will love, with marine facets in a creamy Coco de Mer accord that transports you to a tropical paradise. It’s light enough for daytime wear but lasts for hours on the skin, while the notes seem to combine all the very best scents of a summer holiday, including luxe sun lotions, beach club cocktails and a salty sea breeze. Although it is undoubtedly a summer scent, be warned, you may find yourself reaching for a sniff in the depths of winter, just to reassure yourself that summer will soon come.
Best floral fragrance: Tom Ford Rose Prick
- Key notes: Bulgarian rose, Rose de Mai, patchouli, caramel and vanilla
- Why I recommend it: Drawing inspiration from Tom Ford’s private rose garden, this scent is as modish as the man himself. It’s laced with sharp notes of Sichuan pepper that give the bouquet of roses in its blend a decidedly modern feel – so much so that if, like me, you’re not typically a fan of florals, this accord will make you reconsider.
Best fresh fragrance: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
- Key notes: Sicilian lemon, Italian bergamot, neroli
- Why I recommend it: White florals are sliced through with zingy citrus in this fresh and uplifting fragrance. Though its notes are summer-leaning, it is the ultimate pick-me-up for dreary winter days thanks to its sparkling and addictive blend of refreshing citrus fruits. One to buy for anyone who loves a clean scent, it’s a safe all-occasions pick that blurs the boundaries between traditionally masculine and feminine extracts for a cologne that all genders will enjoy.
Best fragrance for gifting: Tom Ford Costa Azzura
- Key notes: Driftwood, cypress, lemon, seaweed and vanilla
- Why I recommend it: Beyond the fluted, Art Deco-style bottle (which has both solid shelf and gift appeal), this perfume delivers crisp and pleasant notes you will get lost in. It’s named after Tom Ford’s favourite holiday spot on the Mediterranean coast, and it’s got the notes to match: the mesmerising marine elements included here paint a vivid ocean scene. I recommend this one for anyone who likes Soleil Blanc, but wants something with more aromatic depth – thanks to its weighty woods, this one has added longevity.
Best fragrance for men: Tom Ford Oud Wood
- Key notes: Oud, sandalwood, vetiver, amber, cardamom, vanilla and tonka bean
- Why I recommend it: No list of the best Ford fragrances is complete without an Oud Wood mention. One of the first Tom Ford fragrances launched all the way back in 2007, it’s become a classic among discerning men for its sophisticated melange of woods and spice. Potent without being overbearing, it’s one as suited to the office as it is to a black tie affair. An intoxicating, versatile fragrance from which you will get plenty of wear.
Best statement fragrance: Tom Ford F***ing Fabulous
- Key notes: Leather accord, tonka absolute, fir balsam absolute, clary sage
- Why I recommend it: From its controversial name to its arresting notes, this perfume won’t please everyone. But if you’re buying for someone bold, this should be your bottle of choice. An unexpected medley – clean pine notes, smooth leather and nutty tonka bean – merge here for a completely unique signature scent. Combined, they yield an aroma that’s a little masculine, raunchy, and that invites intrigue, mellowing out as it dries down for a musky skin scent with quiet power.
Best amber fragrance: Tom Ford Amber Intrigue
- Key notes: Cinnamon, dates, vetiver, labdanum and amber
- Why I recommend it: If you like a scent that completely envelops the senses, this is worth considering. Honeyed dates and a cinnamon-sprinkled base make this one smell delicious, but it is not your typical gourmand fragrance. Cut through with fragrant foliage and precious sandalwood, it’s comforting with a curiously clean dry down that keeps you coming back for a second sniff.
